[Morgana’s POV]
The sun beats down on my back as I watch Christopher and Brooke emerge from the cave, their faces flushed with victory. They’ve been at this for weeks now, Goblin hunting, training, growing stronger. I’m proud. But all I can think about is what comes next.
“Great job in there,” I call out, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes. “You’re both improving faster than I expected.”
Christopher grins at me, that boyish smile that makes my stomach twist with longing. “Thanks, Morgana. The shield really helped.”
I nod, trying not to freak out at his praise... Which really isn’t easy.
Today. It has to be today. I’ve been patient, so patient, watching them together, watching him with her, watching her touch him in ways I can only dream of. But I’ve set everything in motion. The pieces are in place.
Luna trails behind them, her white eyes vacant. My hold on her is slipping, I can feel it like a fraying rope. The more mind magic I use, the more her consciousness fights back, building up resistance like an immune system fighting a disease. Soon, she’ll break free completely. I need to act now.
“Let’s head back to the carriage,” I say, gesturing toward the royal convoy waiting at the edge of the clearing. “You must be exhausted.”
Brooke stretches her arms above her head, her muscles flexing beneath her tunic. “That last goblin chieftain put up more of a fight than I expected.”
Christopher laughs, bumping his shoulder against hers. “You still took him down in three moves.”
“True.”
I follow behind them, my heart hammering against my ribs. I need to be careful, subtle. Nothing that could be traced back to me.
As we approach the carriage, I quicken my pace, falling into step beside Christopher. My hand finds his shoulder, fingers digging into the muscle beneath his tunic. At the same time, my other hand reaches for Brooke, gripping her shoulder with equal force.
“You both are just doing so well,” I say softly, and before either of them can react, I channel my mana.
The spells flow from me like water, one into Christopher, one into Brooke.
For Christopher, I weave a delicate temporary love spell that will make him believe he’s fallen for Luna. My stomach churns with jealousy even as I cast it. The thought of him wanting her makes me want to scream, but I’ve thought this through. This is the loophole the goddesses never considered. If a man believes he’s in love, even temporarily, the curse counts it as willing. The mark will appear, and Brooke will cast him aside. Then he’ll be mine.
For Brooke, I craft something subtler, a suggestion spell, just enough to make her slightly less jealous today, slightly more compliant later when i need her to leave Christopher’s side however briefly. Just a nudge in the right direction.
I keep both spells invisible, undetectable to anyone watching. The magic settles into them flawlessly.
“Thanks again,” Christopher says, turning to me with that smile that makes my heart stutter.
“Yeah, we really appreciate all your help,” Brooke adds, her voice warmer than usual.
I nod, forcing myself to remain calm. “Of course. That’s what I’m here for.”
Luna steps forward putting her hands on their shoulders, her white eyes bright with enthusiasm. “Come on! I want to review some of the techniques you used in there. ”
Christopher and Brooke exchange excited glances before nodding to me.
“We’ll catch up with you later,” Brooke says.
“Sure,” I manage, watching as they follow Luna toward the training grounds.
As they walk away, I feel a strange mixture of triumph and jealousy. My plan is in motion. But for now, I have to watch him walk away with someone else.
I turn toward the carriage, my dark robes swirling around me. The sun feels too bright, too warm. Everything feels too real.
“Morgana?” Matilda calls from the carriage. “You coming?”
“Yeah,” I reply, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
I take one last look at Christopher’s retreating figure, memorizing the way he moves, the way he laughs at something Brooke says.
Soon, I think. Very soon.